grannie cheechee

We use to do capon besides the turkey. I haven't seen it in the stores for awhile, but capon isn't as dry white meat as turkey.

Jo Anne B.

As a recent widow, (Jan 13th) No kids, no family in the close vicinity my plan is to make myself Smoked Turkey (from the deli) and Smoked Gouda cheese sliders, sweet corn casserole (Locally grown) and Pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting. I have a goal to make Christmas Jam this year for gifting. Trying new things in my new chapter.

JanieW

Being a Canuck our Thanksgiving is over already. I'm following this thread to get some great recipes/ideas for any day of the year.

im looking forward to finding some inspiration so please let the ideas flow.

aashley333

I like the crustless cranberry pie. My favorite cookie ever is Molasses Cookies. I add dark chocolate chips--or better, dip in melted chocolate!

Onebyone

Here is a side dish that I am asked to bring to my guild's Christmas pot luck every year.
My children liked it so I made it for many Sunday meals.

Carrot Souffle

2 pounds carrots, chopped
1/2 cup melted butter
1/2 cup white sugar
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon powdered sugar for dusting

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add carrots and cook until tender. Drain and mash. To the carrots add melted butter, white sugar, flour, baking powder, vanilla extract and eggs. Mix well and transfer to a 2 quart casserole dish. Sprinkle with powdered sugar. Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes.

Another favorite I am asked to bring for food gatherings:

Decadent Chocolate Cream Pie

1 refrigerated pie crust, blind baked (baked empty) according to package directions, cooled
4 ounces of UNsweetened baking chocolate
1 can of sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated milk)
12 oz container of Cool Whip, thawed, divided

In the top of a double boiler (or in the microwave) melt together the chocolate and the condensed milk, stirring until smooth and well blended. Set aside to cool to room temp, about 20-30 minutes.

Fold about 8 oz of the Cool Whip into the chocolate mixture this will be stiff to start out with, but be patient and work slowly, adding the Cool Whip about a third at a time. Set aside about a cup or so of the Cool Whip for the top of the pie. Refrigerate several hours or overnight.

Put the chocolate-Cool Whip mixture into the prebaked pie crust. Top with the remaining Cool Whip. Garnish with some Oreo Cookies around the edge, if desired.

Pinkiris

Several years ago, I started seasoning our turkey in a different method that we've come to love. I gently slide my hand under the turkey skin as much as possible and insert a herb butter that I mix up. I try to get it in many different places. Then, I use a cooking bag to roast it. White meat comes out SO moist that even my dark meat loving husband will eat it!
I once saw that Martha Stewart arranged whole herb leaves(sage, parsley,etc.) under turkey skin before roasting. Looked pretty for magazine photos. Too fussy for me, besides the fact that nobody sees the intact roasted bird besides me!

GingerK

I'm with Janie here. Looking for some different ideas for Christmas. We're hosting this year so that means I have to set up the tree AND cook!! I picked up an 18 pound turkey at a good price after our thanksgiving so will have to think about massaging with butter under its skin.

Aashley, do you serve the cranberry pie with whipped cream or ice cream? It sounds really good! Might be something totally different for one guilds' of the pot lucks.

aashley333

ooh, either would be good! I think I used Redi-whip from the aerosol can, but vanilla ice crem sounds better!

tropit

So I carefully and tactfully mentioned that I wanted to limit the alcohol this year and my kids both had a melt down and now refuse to come for Thanksgiving. (I swear that I said it ever so nicely.) Sigh...I'm OK with that. I think I'll go order a big box of See's and call it a holiday.

tropit

That carrot souffle sounds really interesting. Must try!